While organized physical activity is a positive component of a healthy lifestyle, sports and other forms of exercise create the potential for sports-related injuries. Not warming up appropriately, poor training techniques, and even accidents can lead to a wide range of common injuries.
Natural treatments, however, can often safely relieve pain and reduce inflammation that an injury may cause.
Sports injuries are common and include such conditions as sprains and strains, knee injuries, swollen muscles, injuries to the Achilles tendon, shin splints, rotator cuff injuries, fractures, and dislocations. A sports injury is often the result of overuse, improper training practices, inappropriate gear worn, or accidents during physical activity.
One of the first treatment practices that you should apply in a sports injury involves the acronym RICE – rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Following the initial treatment, other options can be used, including natural treatment gels and soaks to relieve pain and prevent soreness. Arnica gel, Epsom salts, and vinegar are among the most effective treatment options.
Arnica gel is derived from the herb arnica and is used to treat a variety of health conditions. The compound contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing and reduce pain. The gel relieves muscle soreness and can even treat sprain-related pain.
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral compound that contains vital nutrients, including magnesium and sulfate. Combining these and other minerals in the salt regulate the body’s metabolic processes, reduce inflammation and restore muscle and nerve function. An Epsom salt bath also flushes the system of toxins, relieving pain in this way as well.
You can use vinegar in various ways – as a soak, tonic, or even rub – to relieve soreness and pain related to sports. Vinegar functions to pull toxins, including built-up lactic acid, from the body to reduce inflammation and soreness. Vinegar also contains active vitamins and minerals that restore the body’s ability to rebuild muscle and nerve tissue.
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